Production Associate

FlavorSum; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

FlavorSum is seeking a Production Associate to set up and operate packaging equipment in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The ideal candidate will manage the packaging process while adhering to safety and quality standards. Responsibilities include packing products, verifying label accuracy, and maintaining a clean workspace.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and some experience in a related field is helpful. The position offers a chance to thrive in a fast-paced food packaging environment with various training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in food manufacturing or packaging is helpful but not required.
• Ability to lift up to 100 lbs on an occasional basis.
• Completion of necessary safety and food defense training.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery used in the packaging process.
• Pack and label products accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas following safety and SQF standards.

Skills

Accountability

Accuracy

Adaptability

Oral Communication

Detail Oriented

Energetic

Ethical

Interpersonal Skills

Organized

Reliability

Safety Awareness

Time Management

Working Under Pressure

Education

High school diploma (or GED) required

Tools

Forklift Training

GMP Training

Job description

Work Schedule

First shift. Standard working hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.

Title

Production Associate

Department

Production

Reports To

Operations Supervisor

Position Summary

The Production Associate sets up and operates the packager workstation in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Reads and interprets batch specifications/instructions to select the correct equipment and packaging materials for the product. Fills, secures, and labels containers in accordance with company and/or customer specifications quickly and accurately. Verifies goods against order information on tablet and delivers the packaged product to the appropriate area using proper material‑handling equipment and proper lifting procedures. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and SOPs within a food packaging industry. Relies on instructions and pre‑established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• Operate machinery used in the packaging process or assist compounders or packagers.
• Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected and notify management of any malfunctions.
• Pack products in boxes, pails, or drums as instructed in a timely manner with accuracy.
• Verify label accuracy and apply labels to the correct product and container.
• Lift finished products and packed items, manually or using hoists.
• Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.
• Maintain clean/safe work areas, machines, equipment, and product packaging according to safety and SQF standards (proper GMPs and sanitary procedures).
• Build boxes to fill with gallon jugs.
• Perform light material‑handling work while collaborating with the Shipping & Receiving Team.
• Use hand truck following training and FlavorSum Certification.
• Support compounders with pulling of raw materials.
• Replenish supplies as needed.
• Assist with cycle counts as instructed.
• Share duties of disposing of trash and recyclables and restocking supplies in the restroom, break room areas and on the production floor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma (or GED) required.
• Work Experience: 0‑2 years of experience in the field or related area helpful, but not required.
• Industry Knowledge: Food manufacturing or packaging experience helpful, but not required.

Winning Behaviors, Competencies, And Skills

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions.
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Adaptability – Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.
• Communication, Oral – Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Energetic – Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work.
• Ethical – Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Focused – Directing one’s attention to concentrate on the task at hand and complete.
• Initiative – Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Interpersonal – Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Safety Awareness – Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Time Management – Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.

Personality and Communication (Soft Skills)

• Must possess strong work ethic, high character and be passionate about serving others.
• Ability to multi‑task and perform accurately in stressful situations is ideal.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary as this position involves intense teamwork.

Hard Skills

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 lb. on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb. on a regular basis.
• Must complete training in Safety & HAZCOM.
• Must complete training in Forklift Training.
• Must complete training in GMP Training.
• Must complete training in Knife Policy Training.
• Must complete training in BioSecurity and Food Defense Training.
• Must complete training in any other training needs that arise.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.